HIT: The Third Case is the latest installment in the HIT (Homicide Intervention Team) franchise and introduces a new chapter with high-octane action, intense drama, and a gripping storyline.
Natural Star Nani plays Arjun Sarkaar, a feared but respected SP of the Homicide Intervention Team (HIT) in Vizag. While his team fears him, the public dislikes him, and women avoid him after just one date. He’s angry, violent, and even tames vultures—definitely not your average hero. Arjun takes on a strange case that begins in Jammu & Kashmir and uncovers a dark web of crime and killings. He tackles it all alone like a one-man army. If you know about the dark web or snuff of such intense films then you might be able to guess where HIT 3 is going further. He leads a gritty and committed performance that anchors the film as he investigates a case and ends up saving many lives.
What Works
Nani as SP Arjun Sarkaar, Nani is in top form and his commanding presence on-screen. He carries the emotional and physical weight of the film with conviction, making even the slower parts feel watchable. The film packs several slick action sequences, choreographed to highlight Nani’s “one-man army” persona.
The raw, close-combat scenes feel grounded and engaging. The initial build-up is strong, with suspenseful investigative elements that keep you guessing. The intense background score in the action sequences which compares him to historical warrior complements the tension, enhancing the thriller vibe.
What Doesn’t Work
The film tries hard to surprise but ends up relying on familiar tropes. The big reveal feels underwhelming for seasoned thriller watchers. After a gripping first half, the second half loses steam, with a dragged narrative towards the end and some forced emotional arcs to introduces the next chapter.
Technical Analysis
The direction of Sailesh Kolanu delivers a competent sequel with a polished style, though the screenplay could have been tighter in the latter half. The visually appealing with moody lighting and sharp frame composition, especially in the night sequences. The editing could have been more crisp some sequences feel unnecessarily stretched. The sound design is brilliant especially during action sequences and interrogations.
Star Performances
Nani as SP Arjun Sarkaar IPS is a powerhouse performance. Nani balances intensity with vulnerability, embodying the driven cop archetype without slipping into clichés. Srinidhi Shetty as Mrudula is graceful in her role but limited in scope. Her chemistry with Nani is subtle but effective.
The two most surprising elements of the film that maintained the grip of the thriller story is Prateik Smita Patik and Adivi Sesh. They delivered a strong performance that impact the plot.
Other characters including Surya Srinivas as ASP Ravi IPS HIT, Jammu and Kashmir, Adil Pala as SI Zubair Ahmed Khan HIT, Jammu and Kashmir, Rao Ramesh as DGP Nageswara Rao IPS HIT, Visakhapatnam, Brahmaji as R. Shinde, Maganti Srinath as SP Abhilash IPS HIT, Hyderabad all lend credibility to their roles but aren’t given enough room to develop, which could have added more layers to the narrative.
Conclusion
HIT: The Third Case is a solid entry in the HIT universe with Nani delivering a memorable performance as the driven cop on a mission. While the film has its narrative hiccups and underused characters, its action set-pieces, thrilling moments, and strong central performance make it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre. If you enjoy intense investigations with a dash of stylized action, this film hits more than it misses.
Watch the trailer of Hit: The Case Third here:
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